Patients' Experiences and Perceptions of Recovering from Anorexia Nervosa While Having Contact with Psychiatric Care: A Literature Review and Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2021 Aug;42(8):709-719. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1847222. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious disease which is difficult to treat. Little is known about the recovery from AN, and therefore, this review's aim was to review and synthesise patients' experiences and perceptions of what is meaningful for recovery from anorexia nervosa while having contact with psychiatric care. Cinahl, PubMed, and PsycINFO were systematically searched, and 24 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three themes were identified: Being in a trustful and secure care relationship, Finding oneself again, and Being in an engaging and personal treatment. Efforts supporting staff learning and person-centred care should be emphasised and researched further.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anorexia Nervosa* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Narration
  • Perception
  • Psychotherapy
  • Qualitative Research